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‘American Idol’ Studdard hopes to be ‘Biggest Loser’

BIGGEST LOSER: From left, David Brown, Ruben Studdard, and Hap Holmstead on "The Biggest Loser," in Calbasas, Calif. Studdard, the season two winner of "American Idol" is the 15th season’s heaviest contestant at 462 pounds. Photo: Associated Press/Trae Patton/NBC

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Is Ruben Studdard still the Velvet Teddy Bear if he doesn’t have as much fluff?

Studdard is the first celebrity contestant on “The Biggest Loser” and starts the season at 462 pounds.

Studdard says he’s happy he can become a better version of whatever his fans want to call him.